Processor / MCU
8-bit AVR to multi-core ARM / x86 SBC
Compute headroom for control loops and vision.
SBC ≠ hard real-time motor controller without architecture.
MCU and SBC boards that generate control signals, read sensors, and run robot software — Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, Teensy, and competition controllers.
Controller boards category hero
Verified media required — not AI product evidence. Photo Archivist / official sources only.
Placeholder — final asset pendingA printed circuit board with a microcontroller or single-board computer, voltage regulators, I/O headers, and often USB — the compute and GPIO layer of a robot.
The controller board is the robot's brain — it runs your code and sends signals to motors and servos, but it usually needs separate driver boards to move big motors safely.
MCU boards offer deterministic GPIO and hardware timers for PWM; SBCs offer Linux and vision at the cost of hard real-time unless you offload motion to a coprocessor or MCU.
Runs control loops, reads sensors, commands servos and drivers, and hosts firmware or ROS nodes depending on platform.
SKU-level comparison is not available yet — use this table to decide what to verify before ordering.
14 selection specs · 9 key for buying decisions
| Spec | Why it matters | Buyer warning |
|---|---|---|
Processor / MCU Key selection spec 8-bit AVR to multi-core ARM / x86 SBC | Compute headroom for control loops and vision. | SBC ≠ hard real-time motor controller without architecture. |
Clock speed Optional detail | Loop rate and peripheral timing. | Marketing clock ≠ usable control bandwidth. |
RAM / memory Optional detail | ROS, vision, and buffer sizes on SBCs. | Underspec Pi RAM for vision stacks. |
GPIO count Key selection spec | Sensors, drivers, and interrupts needed. | Count usable pins after strapping/reserved. |
PWM outputs Key selection spec | One hardware PWM per servo unless expander. Beginner: Count servos vs hardware timer channels on the pinout. | Bit-banged PWM jitters on holding torque. |
ADC inputs Optional detail | Analog sensors and current sense. | Reference voltage affects readings. |
UART / I2C / SPI / CAN / USB Key selection spec | Sensor and smart actuator bus compatibility. | Pi may need level shifters on 5 V buses. |
Logic voltage V Key selection spec 3.3 V logic; 5 V tolerant pins vary | Must match peripherals and drivers. | 3.3 V MCU with 5 V-only sensors needs shifter. |
Input voltage (VIN) V Key selection spec USB 5 V; VIN 7–12 V common on MCUs | Regulator heat and mobile battery range. | VIN is not a servo power rail. |
Current limits Key selection spec GPIO mA; 5 V rail often <1 A | Onboard rails cannot feed servos/motors. Beginner: The board brain is not the robot power plant — plan separate rails. | Servo stall through 5 V pin resets board. |
Software support Key selection spec | Library ecosystem and team skill fit. | Closed competition ecosystems limit libraries. |
Arduino / Python / C++ Optional detail | Development path and examples. | Verify core support for clone boards. |
ROS support Optional detail | Research stacks on SBCs; micro-ROS on MCUs. | ROS on Pi still needs motor offload for timing. |
Documentation quality Key selection spec | Debug time dominates small projects. | Missing errata on pin conflicts wastes hours. |
Processor / MCU
8-bit AVR to multi-core ARM / x86 SBC
Compute headroom for control loops and vision.
SBC ≠ hard real-time motor controller without architecture.
Clock speed
Loop rate and peripheral timing.
Marketing clock ≠ usable control bandwidth.
RAM / memory
ROS, vision, and buffer sizes on SBCs.
Underspec Pi RAM for vision stacks.
GPIO count
Sensors, drivers, and interrupts needed.
Count usable pins after strapping/reserved.
PWM outputs
One hardware PWM per servo unless expander.
Bit-banged PWM jitters on holding torque.
Beginner: Count servos vs hardware timer channels on the pinout.
ADC inputs
Analog sensors and current sense.
Reference voltage affects readings.
UART / I2C / SPI / CAN / USB
Sensor and smart actuator bus compatibility.
Pi may need level shifters on 5 V buses.
Logic voltage
V
3.3 V logic; 5 V tolerant pins vary
Must match peripherals and drivers.
3.3 V MCU with 5 V-only sensors needs shifter.
Input voltage (VIN)
V
USB 5 V; VIN 7–12 V common on MCUs
Regulator heat and mobile battery range.
VIN is not a servo power rail.
Current limits
GPIO mA; 5 V rail often <1 A
Onboard rails cannot feed servos/motors.
Servo stall through 5 V pin resets board.
Beginner: The board brain is not the robot power plant — plan separate rails.
Software support
Library ecosystem and team skill fit.
Closed competition ecosystems limit libraries.
Arduino / Python / C++
Development path and examples.
Verify core support for clone boards.
ROS support
Research stacks on SBCs; micro-ROS on MCUs.
ROS on Pi still needs motor offload for timing.
Documentation quality
Debug time dominates small projects.
Missing errata on pin conflicts wastes hours.
Additional key specs (seed data)
8-bit AVR to multi-core ARM / x86 SBC
Determines compute headroom for control loops and vision.
Digital, analog, interrupt-capable pins
One PWM per servo unless PCA9685 or similar co-processor.
Hardware timers vs bit-banged
Jitter affects servo holding; hardware PWM preferred.
Often external — onboard only on integrated shields
Do not drive wheel motors directly from GPIO.
USB 5 V, VIN 7–12 V, 3.3 V logic rails
Regulator heat and servo rail separation.
Per-pin mA; total 3.3 V / 5 V rail amps
Servo stall current must not flow through MCU regulator.
UART, I2C, SPI, CAN, USB
Sensor and smart servo bus compatibility.
Arduino, MicroPython, ESP-IDF, ROS 2
Library ecosystem speeds integration.
Native on SBCs; micro-ROS on MCUs
Research stacks vs bare-metal timing.
Pinout clarity, examples, errata
Debug time dominates small projects.
Prices vary by model, supplier, quantity, availability, and shipping speed. EAR pricing bands are guidance only unless tied to a sourced product record. Verify current pricing before ordering.
basic_mcu
Entry MCU boards anchor many student and maker robots. Official board vs clone, header population, and regional shipping dominate perceived cost.
Typical buyer
Makers, coursework, simple motor/sensor prototypes.
Examples
Arduino Uno/Nano class, ESP32 dev kits, STM32 Nucleo-style boards.
What affects cost
Price usually excludes
Buyer caution
Source basis
Category-level qualitative guidance — no SKU-linked distributor band yet.
Open research gaps
Verify current pricing with supplier before ordering.
robotics_controller
Purpose-built robotics controllers combine motor outputs, servo headers, and sometimes IMU or RC inputs. Price scales with channel count and onboard power regulation.
Typical buyer
Competition teams, mobile robot builders, RC-to-autonomous conversions.
Examples
RoboClaw-adjacent hosts, dedicated multi-motor robot shields, competition control hubs.
What affects cost
Price usually excludes
Buyer caution
Source basis
Category-level qualitative guidance — no SKU-linked distributor band yet.
Open research gaps
Verify current pricing with supplier before ordering.
sbc
SBCs for robots (Pi-class, Jetson-adjacent at lower tiers) vary by RAM, wireless, and authorized vs gray-market availability.
Typical buyer
ROS learners, vision rovers, edge nodes running Linux.
Examples
Raspberry Pi class, other ARM SBCs used as robot brains.
What affects cost
Price usually excludes
Buyer caution
Source basis
Category-level qualitative guidance — no SKU-linked distributor band yet.
Open research gaps
Verify current pricing with supplier before ordering.
edge_ai
GPU/NPU-capable edge boards carry higher unit cost plus camera, carrier, and power accessories. Software stack and cooling often exceed board BOM in integration time.
Typical buyer
Perception-heavy robots, AMR prototypes, research platforms.
Examples
Jetson-class modules with carrier boards, Coral/USB accelerators on host SBCs.
What affects cost
Price usually excludes
Buyer caution
Source basis
Category-level qualitative guidance — no SKU-linked distributor band yet.
Open research gaps
Verify current pricing with supplier before ordering.
industrial_plc
PLC, PAC, and industrial IPC pricing is quote-driven with I/O modules, licensing, and safety architecture. EAR does not publish bands without sourced distributor or OEM records.
Typical buyer
Factory automation integrators, machine OEMs, certified safety systems.
Examples
PLC CPUs with I/O racks, industrial IPCs, safety-rated controllers.
What affects cost
Price usually excludes
Buyer caution
Source basis
Category-level qualitative guidance — no OEM quote verified in EAR.
Open research gaps
Verify current pricing with supplier before ordering.
Representative product records for orientation — not endorsements.
EAR compatibility guidance is category-level unless a specific product record is sourced. Always verify voltage, current, connectors, signal type, documentation, and manufacturer limits before ordering.
Build chains
Works with
Required companion parts
Optional companion parts
Common interfaces
Voltage / current / power
Software & controller
Mechanical
Buyer mismatch warnings
Emergency substitution notes
Open research gaps
Full cross-component view: Compatibility overview
EAR does not currently verify live stock or delivery speed. Use this guide to avoid ordering the wrong part, then verify stock, shipping, compatibility, and datasheets with the supplier before purchase.
Urgency summary
A rush-purchased board fails when PWM count, logic voltage, software stack, or form factor do not match what the robot already expects.
Check stock and shipping live before ordering.
Urgent questions
Acceptable substitutions (category-level)
Dangerous substitutions
Suppliers to check first
Local pickup targets (verify stock)
Marketplace cautions
Before you order
After arrival — bench test
If you get it wrong
Open research gaps
Arduino Uno: easy PWM servos, limited RAM. ESP32: Wi-Fi + RTOS, watch pin strapping. Raspberry Pi: vision/ROS, add HAT for PWM and drivers. Match logic levels to sensors and drivers.
7 manufacturers tracked — expand for chips and dossier links.
EAR does not currently show live inventory. Always verify stock, shipping speed, compatibility, and authorized-channel status before ordering.
Edu/hobby retailers carry Arduino, ESP32, and Pi — verify stock before ordering. Micro Center may offer store pickup where locations exist; confirm local inventory live. Competition controllers are ecosystem-specific.
Check first
Also check
Use with caution
Supported categories
Curated edu/hobby boards with tutorials
Buyer caution
Supplier target
Supported categories
Well-documented boards and drivers
Buyer caution
Supplier target
Supported categories
Likely category source for hobby servos and motor driver modules
Buyer caution
Supplier target
Supported categories
Same-day pickup where stores exist — verify local stock
Buyer caution
Same-day pickup — store stock only
Supported categories
Broad authorized catalog for semiconductors and modules
Buyer caution
Shipping verification needed
Supported categories
Wide semiconductor and module selection
Buyer caution
Shipping verification needed
Supported categories
Competition-legal controllers and motor controllers
Buyer caution
Competition controllers
Supported categories
Closed ecosystem simplifies compatibility within VEX platforms
Buyer caution
Closed ecosystem
Supported categories
Fast shipping sometimes available on Prime listings — not guaranteed
Buyer caution
Marketplace — verify seller
Browse all suppliers in the Supplier Directory. See what works together in the Compatibility Matrix.
Overnight availability needs live supplier verification. EAR does not track live inventory.
STOCK & SHIPPING
Overnight availability: needs live supplier verification. EAR does not track live inventory.
For rush-order decision checklists, see Emergency sourcing guide above.
Likely supplier targets to check first
See Who sells it above for supplier targets and sourcing guidance — then verify stock and shipping live before ordering.
Emergency sourcing checklist
Brownout from servo current on MCU rail
Replacement parts risk
Boards are replaceable; custom firmware and wiring harness time is the hidden cost.
SBCs are not real-time motor controllers without careful architecture. Do not power servos from the board's 5 V regulator on multi-servo builds.
SBCs are not real-time motor controllers without careful architecture. Do not power servos from the board's 5 V regulator on multi-servo builds.
Board class USD bands
CURRENT STATUS
Needs sourced range
NEXT EVIDENCE TARGET
Digi-Key / Adafruit reference listings
Servo count per board matrix
CURRENT STATUS
Partial
NEXT EVIDENCE TARGET
PCA9685 and timer channel maps
These are representative product records and product families for orientation. EAR does not currently verify live stock, current pricing, or final compatibility. Always verify datasheets, supplier stock, and manufacturer limits before ordering.
27 published product records
Bosch Rexroth · Bosch Rexroth · Controller Boards
Bosch Rexroth · Bosch Rexroth · Controller Boards
Bosch Rexroth · Bosch Rexroth · Controller Boards
Bosch Rexroth · Bosch Rexroth · Controller Boards
Bosch Rexroth · Bosch Rexroth · Controller Boards
Bosch Rexroth · Bosch Rexroth · Controller Boards
Festo · Festo · Controller Boards
Festo · Festo · Controller Boards
Festo · Festo · Controller Boards
OnRobot · OnRobot · Controller Boards
OnRobot · OnRobot · Controller Boards
OnRobot · OnRobot · Controller Boards
Parker Hannifin · Parker Hannifin · Controller Boards
Parker Hannifin · Parker Hannifin · Controller Boards
Parker Hannifin · Parker Hannifin · Controller Boards
Robotiq · Robotiq · Controller Boards
Robotiq · Robotiq · Controller Boards
Robotiq · Robotiq · Controller Boards
SMC · SMC · Controller Boards
SMC · SMC · Controller Boards
SMC · SMC · Controller Boards
Turck · Turck · Controller Boards
Turck · Turck · Controller Boards
Turck · Turck · Controller Boards
Turck · Turck · Controller Boards
Turck · Turck · Controller Boards
Turck · Turck · Controller Boards
Representative seed records (orientation only)
Arduino·Arduino Uno / Mega
Representative record — not an EAR endorsement or buying recommendation.
Entry AVR microcontroller boards — widespread tutorials for hobby robotics I/O.
BEST-FIT USE CASE
Learning robotics, simple sensor/motor I/O, shield-based prototypes.
KEY SPECS (SUMMARY)
Price: needs sourced record — verify with supplier
Availability needs live check with supplier before ordering.
SUPPLIER TARGETS
Supplier targets are starting points, not guaranteed sellers or live stock.
Category-level MCU host — motor/servo power usually requires separate drivers and supplies.
VERIFY BEFORE BUYING
OPEN RESEARCH GAPS
Raspberry Pi·Raspberry Pi
Representative record — not an EAR endorsement or buying recommendation.
Linux SBC host for ROS, vision, and higher-level robot software — not a hard real-time motor controller alone.
BEST-FIT USE CASE
ROS learners, vision rovers, edge nodes needing Linux ecosystem.
KEY SPECS (SUMMARY)
Price: needs sourced record — verify with supplier
Availability needs live check with supplier before ordering.
SUPPLIER TARGETS
Supplier targets are starting points, not guaranteed sellers or live stock.
Often paired with motor driver HATs or separate MCU for reliable motor timing.
VERIFY BEFORE BUYING
OPEN RESEARCH GAPS
Espressif / module vendors·ESP32 dev kits
Representative record — not an EAR endorsement or buying recommendation.
Wi-Fi/BLE capable MCU boards for teleop, IoT robotics, and lightweight control loops.
BEST-FIT USE CASE
Wi-Fi teleop rovers, sensor nodes, projects needing wireless without full SBC.
KEY SPECS (SUMMARY)
Price: needs sourced record — verify with supplier
Availability needs live check with supplier before ordering.
SUPPLIER TARGETS
Supplier targets are starting points, not guaranteed sellers or live stock.
Good for wireless control; verify pin maps and motor driver logic voltage.
VERIFY BEFORE BUYING
OPEN RESEARCH GAPS
Adafruit·Feather / FeatherWing
Representative record — not an EAR endorsement or buying recommendation.
Compact MCU boards with stackable FeatherWing peripherals — popular in small robots.
BEST-FIT USE CASE
Small mobile robots, wearable robotics, compact sensor+motor prototypes.
KEY SPECS (SUMMARY)
Price: needs sourced record — verify with supplier
Availability needs live check with supplier before ordering.
Ecosystem-specific stacking — verify Feather variant matches your wireless and compute needs.
VERIFY BEFORE BUYING
OPEN RESEARCH GAPS
SparkFun·RedBoard / Artemis
Representative record — not an EAR endorsement or buying recommendation.
Arduino-compatible and Artemis (Apollo) boards with SparkFun tutorials and Qwiic ecosystem.
BEST-FIT USE CASE
Education, makerspaces, Qwiic sensor wiring for small robots.
KEY SPECS (SUMMARY)
Price: needs sourced record — verify with supplier
Availability needs live check with supplier before ordering.
Educational MCU line — pair with SparkFun or third-party motor drivers for motion.
VERIFY BEFORE BUYING
OPEN RESEARCH GAPS
REV Robotics·REV Control Hub
Representative record — not an EAR endorsement or buying recommendation.
Competition robotics controller used in FTC-style ecosystems — not a general-purpose Arduino replacement.
BEST-FIT USE CASE
FIRST Tech Challenge and compatible competition robot platforms.
KEY SPECS (SUMMARY)
Price: needs sourced record — verify with supplier
Availability needs live check with supplier before ordering.
SUPPLIER TARGETS
Supplier targets are starting points, not guaranteed sellers or live stock.
Competition ecosystem controller — verify legal/part rules and REV device compatibility for your league.
VERIFY BEFORE BUYING
OPEN RESEARCH GAPS